Topical Bible: The Fall of Man: Man in Consequence of a Child of Wrath

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The Fall of Man is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the transition of humanity from a state of innocence and communion with God to a state of sin and separation. This event is primarily recorded in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve, the first humans, disobey God's command by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This act of disobedience introduces sin into the world, fundamentally altering the nature of humanity and its relationship with God.

Original Sin and Its Consequences

The concept of original sin arises from the Fall, suggesting that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to Adam's transgression. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This passage underscores the belief that sin and death are universal conditions affecting all of humanity.

As a result of the Fall, humanity is described as being in a state of enmity with God. Ephesians 2:3 refers to humans as "children of wrath," indicating that by nature, humans are deserving of God's judgment. This condition is not merely a result of individual sins but is inherent in the human condition post-Fall.

The Nature of Wrath

The term "wrath" in this context refers to God's righteous anger and judgment against sin. It is important to understand that God's wrath is not arbitrary or capricious but is a just response to the rebellion and disobedience of humanity. Romans 1:18 explains, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness."

This wrath is not only a future reality but also a present condition for those who remain in sin. John 3:36 states, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him." This highlights the ongoing state of separation from God for those who do not accept the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

The Hope of Redemption

Despite the dire consequences of the Fall, the Christian narrative is one of hope and redemption. The promise of salvation through Jesus Christ is central to overcoming the state of being a "child of wrath." Ephesians 2:4-5 offers this hope: "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved."

Through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals are offered a path to reconciliation with God, transforming from a state of wrath to one of grace and favor. This transformation is not based on human merit but on the sacrificial love and grace of God, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Conclusion

The Fall of Man and the subsequent state of being a "child of wrath" highlight the profound need for divine intervention and redemption. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the path to reconciliation with God is made available, offering hope and restoration to a fallen humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall.
... [215] I answer, That these things are a consequence of the fall ... Next, death, though
a consequent of the fall, incident to man's earthly nature, is not ...
/.../proposition iv concerning the condition.htm

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ...
... provided better for our safety by preventing Adam's fall. ... is not improper to say,
that, in consequence of the corruption of human nature, man is naturally ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 through the fall.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... the representative man, in whom none are made to fall, but multitudes ... gifts which
were showered down from heaven in consequence of this man's ascent into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

Ephesians ii. 3-Jan
... and more obedient subjects than God, in consequence of our ... For, in that instance,
the man's virtue was in ... is possible, even by railing only, to fall into Hell. ...
/.../homily iv ephesians ii 3-jan.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... God of my salvation." That was the simple consequence of his ... the fear of God then
the fear of man will make ... we fear God we shall like Stephen fall asleep, even ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Human Inability
... room at any hour you choose, and to fall upon your ... do not like to hear you say a
man cannot save ... my own option, repent and believe, and the consequence is that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human inability.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... For if, in consequence of his involuntary birth in wealth ... after the seal [3909] and
redemption, to fall into sins ... while it is possible for the man who formerly ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

Original Sin
... It must of consequence include every word and action, as naturally flowing from
these ... But still as none of them were apprized of the fall of man, so none of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm

On the Immeasurable Dignity of Temporal Suffering.
... are on the side of the suffering man; for, indeed ... Lord, in consequence of Thy words,
all sufferings in future ... on my account, have been like a sweet fall of dew ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xiii on the immeasurable.htm

Entrance into Rest.
... never had it?" And why is it of such consequence to speak ... for me." But then I want
you to fall down very ... How many years does a young man study to fit himself ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iv entrance into rest.htm